Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system, comprising: a memory to store ink-channel data that describe print resources for an ink-channel printing pipeline and Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) data of an alternative printing pipeline; an NPac property stored in the memory that describes a dimensional relationship between the NPac data of the alternative printing pipeline and the ink-channel data for the ink-channel printing pipeline; and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory, the instructions to: generate a mapping file based on the NPac property to map from an ink-channel space described by the ink-channel data to an NPac space described by the NPac data to enable the print resources for the ink-channel printing pipeline to be utilized by the alternative printing pipeline.
This invention relates to digital printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of integrating print resources between different printing pipelines. Traditional ink-channel printing pipelines use ink-channel data to define print resources, while alternative printing pipelines, such as those using Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) data, require a different representation. The mismatch between these data formats creates inefficiencies when attempting to reuse print resources across pipelines. The system solves this by storing ink-channel data and NPac data in memory, along with an NPac property that defines the dimensional relationship between them. A processor executes instructions to generate a mapping file based on this property, enabling conversion between the ink-channel space and the NPac space. This allows print resources originally designed for an ink-channel pipeline to be utilized in an alternative NPac-based pipeline, improving resource compatibility and reducing redundant development efforts. The system ensures seamless integration by dynamically mapping the data representations while preserving the intended print characteristics.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the alternative printing pipeline is a Halftone Area Neugebauer Separation (HANS) printing pipeline.
The invention relates to a printing system that improves color reproduction and efficiency in digital printing by using an alternative printing pipeline. Traditional printing systems often struggle with accurate color reproduction, especially in high-resolution or complex color spaces, due to limitations in conventional halftoning and color separation techniques. The system addresses this by incorporating a Halftone Area Neugebauer Separation (HANS) printing pipeline, which enhances color accuracy and reduces computational overhead compared to standard methods. The HANS pipeline combines halftoning with Neugebauer primaries, allowing for more precise color mixing and better handling of gradients and fine details. This approach optimizes the printing process by reducing the need for excessive color separations while maintaining high-quality output. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing printing hardware and software, making it adaptable to various printing environments. By leveraging advanced color separation techniques, the invention provides a more efficient and accurate printing solution, particularly for applications requiring high-fidelity color reproduction.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is to receive the ink-channel data or the NPac data from a file communicated via a network connection.
A system for processing ink-channel data or NPac data includes a processor configured to receive the data from a file communicated via a network connection. The system also includes a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to perform operations such as converting the ink-channel data or NPac data into a different format, such as a page description language (PDL) or a printable raster image. The processor may further analyze the data to detect errors, optimize printing parameters, or generate metadata for the data. The system may also include a communication interface for transmitting the processed data to a printing device or another system for further processing. The network connection allows the system to receive data from remote sources, enabling distributed processing and collaboration. The system may be part of a larger printing or document management workflow, where the received data is integrated into a print job or stored for later use. The processor may also validate the received data to ensure it meets specific requirements before processing. This system improves efficiency in document processing by enabling remote data access and automated conversion, reducing manual intervention and errors.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the NPac property describes a k n dimensional NPac data, where k is an integer describing a number of ink levels per ink per halftone pixel, and n is an integer describing a number of inks.
The invention relates to a digital printing system that uses a multi-dimensional NPac property to optimize halftone printing. The system addresses the challenge of accurately representing color and ink deposition in halftone printing, where traditional methods struggle with complex ink interactions and limited color gamut. The NPac property defines a k×n-dimensional data structure, where k is an integer representing the number of ink levels per ink per halftone pixel, and n is an integer representing the number of inks used. This structure allows the system to model and control ink deposition with high precision, improving color accuracy and print quality. The system processes input image data to generate halftone patterns that leverage the NPac property, ensuring consistent and predictable ink behavior across different printing conditions. By incorporating this multi-dimensional approach, the system enhances the ability to reproduce fine details and gradients, addressing limitations in conventional halftoning techniques. The invention is particularly useful in high-end printing applications where color fidelity and ink efficiency are critical.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the mapping file includes vectors that describe a vector mapping between the ink-channel space and the NPac space to enable the print resources for the ink-channel printing pipeline to be utilized by the alternative printing pipeline.
This invention relates to digital printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of enabling print resources designed for ink-channel printing pipelines to be utilized by alternative printing pipelines. The system includes a mapping file that contains vectors defining a vector mapping between the ink-channel space and the NPac space. This mapping allows print resources originally intended for an ink-channel printing pipeline to be adapted and used by an alternative printing pipeline. The NPac space represents a color space or processing space distinct from the ink-channel space, facilitating compatibility between different printing technologies. The mapping file ensures that color transformations, printhead control, and other print resources can be effectively shared or repurposed across pipelines, improving efficiency and reducing the need for redundant resource development. The system may also include a print resource manager to handle the mapping and resource allocation, ensuring seamless integration between the pipelines. This approach enhances flexibility in printing workflows, allowing printers to leverage existing resources while adopting new or alternative printing technologies.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the processor is to apply the vector mapping to a device color to NPac look-up table (LUT) or a halftoning segment of the HANS pipeline.
A system for color management in digital imaging processes addresses the challenge of accurately converting device-specific colors to a standardized color space, such as NPac, while maintaining visual fidelity. The system includes a processor configured to apply a vector mapping to a device color to NPac look-up table (LUT) or a halftoning segment of the HANS (High-Quality Adaptive Noise Shaping) pipeline. The vector mapping ensures precise color transformations by accounting for nonlinearities and device-specific characteristics, while the LUT provides a precomputed reference for efficient conversion. The halftoning segment of the HANS pipeline further refines the output by applying adaptive noise shaping techniques to enhance image quality, particularly in areas with fine details or gradients. This approach optimizes color accuracy and consistency across different devices and printing processes, improving the overall quality of digital images and printed materials. The system is particularly useful in high-precision applications where color fidelity is critical, such as professional photography, medical imaging, and industrial printing.
7. The system of claim 5 , wherein the mapping file includes vectors that map the print resources for the ink-channel printing pipeline to the NPac space, the print resources including at least one of a device color to ink amount look-up table (LUT) or an ink amount image.
This invention relates to a printing system that optimizes color management by mapping print resources to a normalized print-ready color space (NPac). The system addresses the challenge of accurately converting device-specific color data into consistent print outputs across different printing devices. The core innovation involves a mapping file that contains vectors to transform print resources, such as device color to ink amount look-up tables (LUTs) or ink amount images, into the NPac space. This ensures that color data is standardized and compatible with various ink-channel printing pipelines. The mapping file enables seamless integration of different print resources into a unified workflow, improving color consistency and reducing the need for device-specific adjustments. By converting print resources into the NPac space, the system simplifies color management and enhances print quality across multiple devices. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple printers or printing conditions require standardized color outputs.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable on the processor to apply a minimization rule to minimize ink overprinting via NPacs derived from the ink-channel space that includes a blank substrate, a number of inks, and a specification of an amount of overprinting between a number of inks given ink amounts expressed in relative terms having a range between 0 and 1.
This invention relates to digital printing systems that optimize ink usage to minimize overprinting. The problem addressed is excessive ink overprinting, which can lead to wasted ink, increased costs, and potential print quality issues. The system uses a computational framework to model ink interactions on a substrate, considering multiple inks and their relative amounts. The key innovation involves applying a minimization rule to reduce overprinting by leveraging NPacs (Neural Process-based Color Appearance Models) derived from an ink-channel space. This space includes the blank substrate, the inks used, and a specification of allowable overprinting between inks, where ink amounts are expressed as relative values between 0 and 1. The system dynamically adjusts ink deposition to achieve the desired color while minimizing unnecessary layering of inks. This approach ensures efficient ink usage and improves print quality by avoiding excessive ink buildup. The minimization rule is applied within the computational model to optimize the printing process, balancing color accuracy with ink economy. The system is designed to work with various printing technologies where precise ink control is critical.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable on the processor to apply a maximization rule to maximize ink overprinting via NPacs derived from the ink-channel space that includes an index of smaller ink amounts for a number of inks from the ink-channel space, and an index of larger ink amounts for a number of inks from the ink-channel space.
This invention relates to color printing systems, specifically optimizing ink usage to maximize overprinting while maintaining print quality. The problem addressed is inefficient ink application in multi-color printing, where excessive ink can cause bleeding, smudging, or other quality issues, while insufficient ink may result in poor color reproduction. The system uses a processor to apply a maximization rule that optimizes ink overprinting by leveraging NPacs (Neural Process-based Color Appearance Models) derived from an ink-channel space. The ink-channel space includes two key indices: one for smaller ink amounts and another for larger ink amounts. The system dynamically adjusts ink application across multiple inks to ensure optimal overprinting, balancing color accuracy with print quality. The NPacs model predicts how different ink combinations will appear on the printed substrate, allowing the system to select the most efficient ink amounts for each channel. This approach reduces ink waste while maintaining or improving print quality, particularly in high-resolution or multi-color printing applications. The solution is particularly useful in commercial printing, where precise color reproduction and ink efficiency are critical.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable on the processor to apply a Demichel equation to generate NPac vectors from the ink-channel space when inks in the ink-channel space are distributed randomly over a unit area.
This invention relates to a digital printing system that processes ink-channel data to generate color vectors for accurate color reproduction. The system addresses the challenge of converting randomly distributed ink values in an ink-channel space into standardized color representations, ensuring consistent color output across different printing devices. The core functionality involves applying a Demichel equation to transform ink-channel data into NPac vectors, which are normalized color representations. The Demichel equation is a mathematical transformation that standardizes ink distributions over a unit area, enabling precise color mapping. The system includes a processor executing instructions to perform this transformation, ensuring that ink values, even when randomly distributed, are converted into a structured color space. This allows for accurate color reproduction in digital printing applications, where ink distribution variability can otherwise lead to inconsistencies. The system may also include additional components, such as input interfaces for receiving ink-channel data and output interfaces for delivering the processed NPac vectors to printing devices. The overall goal is to enhance color consistency and fidelity in digital printing by standardizing ink-channel data through mathematical transformations.
11. A printer, comprising: a print head having a plurality of wells to disperse colors on a substrate; a controller to issue drop weight commands to the print head to control an amount of colorant dispersed on the substrate; and a mapping system to provide a mapping file to the controller to control the amount of colorant dispersed on the substrate, the mapping system comprising: a memory to store ink-channel data that describe print resources for an ink-channel printing pipeline and Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) data of a Halftone Area Neugebauer Separation (HANS) printing pipeline; an NPac property stored in the memory that describes a dimensional relationship between the NPac data of the HANS printing pipeline and the ink-channel data for the ink-channel printing pipeline; and a processor to execute instructions from the memory, the instructions to: generate a mapping file based on the NPac property to map from an ink-channel space described by the ink-channel data to an NPac space described by the NPac data to enable the print resources for the ink-channel printing pipeline to be utilized by the HANS printing pipeline.
This invention relates to a printer system designed to improve color printing accuracy and efficiency by integrating two distinct printing pipelines: an ink-channel printing pipeline and a Halftone Area Neugebauer Separation (HANS) printing pipeline. The system addresses the challenge of converting between different color representation spaces to optimize print quality and resource utilization. The printer includes a print head with multiple wells to disperse colorants onto a substrate, controlled by a controller that issues drop weight commands to regulate the amount of colorant dispersed. A mapping system generates a mapping file to facilitate communication between the two printing pipelines. The mapping system stores ink-channel data, which describe print resources for the ink-channel pipeline, and Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) data for the HANS pipeline. A stored NPac property defines the dimensional relationship between these two data sets, enabling seamless conversion between the ink-channel space and the NPac space. A processor within the mapping system executes instructions to generate the mapping file, allowing the print resources of the ink-channel pipeline to be utilized by the HANS pipeline. This integration enhances printing flexibility and efficiency by enabling the HANS pipeline to leverage the ink-channel pipeline's resources while maintaining accurate color representation. The system ensures consistent and high-quality printing by dynamically adjusting colorant dispersion based on the mapping file.
12. The printer of claim 11 , wherein the mapping file includes vectors that describe a vector mapping between the ink-channel space and the NPac space to enable the print resources for the ink channel printing pipeline to be utilized by the HANS printing pipeline, and the processor is to apply the vector mapping to a device color to NPac look-up table (LUT) or a halftoning segment of the HANS printing pipeline.
This invention relates to a printer system designed to integrate High-Quality Advanced Networked Systems (HANS) printing pipelines with traditional ink-channel printing pipelines. The problem addressed is the incompatibility between these two printing systems, which prevents efficient resource utilization and seamless operation. The printer includes a processor and a mapping file that contains vectors defining a vector mapping between the ink-channel space and the NPac (Neural Print Architecture) space. This mapping enables the print resources of the ink-channel printing pipeline to be utilized by the HANS printing pipeline. The processor applies this vector mapping to either a device color to NPac look-up table (LUT) or a halftoning segment of the HANS printing pipeline. The mapping file ensures that the HANS pipeline can leverage the existing ink-channel resources, improving efficiency and performance. The system allows for the integration of advanced printing technologies with legacy systems, enhancing overall printing capabilities while maintaining compatibility.
13. The printer of claim 12 , wherein the mapping file includes vectors that map the print resources for the ink-channel printing pipeline to the NPac space, the print resources including at least one of a device color to ink amount look-up table (LUT) or an ink amount image.
This invention relates to a printer system designed to optimize print resource management in an ink-channel printing pipeline. The printer includes a processing unit configured to generate a mapping file that translates print resources into a normalized print action (NPac) space. The mapping file contains vectors that map these print resources, which may include a device color to ink amount look-up table (LUT) or an ink amount image, into the NPac space. The NPac space represents a standardized format for print actions, allowing for efficient processing and resource allocation. The printer also includes a print engine that uses the mapped resources to execute print jobs. The system ensures compatibility and consistency across different printing pipelines by standardizing the representation of print resources, improving efficiency and reducing errors in the printing process. This approach simplifies the integration of print resources into the printing pipeline, enhancing overall print quality and performance.
14. The printer of claim 11 , wherein the instructions are executable on the processor to apply a minimization overprinting rule to minimize ink overprinting via NPacs derived from the ink-channel space.
This invention relates to a printer system designed to optimize ink usage by minimizing overprinting in multi-color printing processes. The problem addressed is the inefficiency and potential quality issues caused by excessive ink overprinting, where multiple ink layers are applied in overlapping areas, leading to wasted ink and potential print defects. The printer includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, perform color separation and ink optimization. The system converts input color data into a multi-dimensional ink-channel space, representing the available ink combinations for each color. From this space, the printer derives Non-Perceptible Adjustment Colors (NPacs), which are ink combinations that produce minimal or no visible color change when applied in overlapping layers. By applying a minimization overprinting rule, the printer reduces unnecessary ink layering, ensuring that only the most efficient NPacs are used. This approach optimizes ink usage without compromising print quality, reducing waste and improving printing efficiency. The system dynamically adjusts ink application based on the input data, ensuring consistent results across different print jobs.
15. The printer of claim 11 , wherein the instructions are executable on the processor to apply a maximization rule to maximize ink overprinting via NPacs derived from the ink-channel space.
This invention relates to a printer system designed to optimize ink usage by maximizing overprinting through the use of Neuron Perceptual Color (NPac) values derived from an ink-channel color space. The printer includes a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed, enable the system to process color data for printing. The instructions are configured to apply a maximization rule to enhance ink overprinting, leveraging NPac values that represent perceptual color differences. The printer further includes a printhead for depositing ink onto a substrate based on the processed color data. The system may also incorporate a color management module to convert between different color spaces, such as from device-independent color spaces like CIELAB to the printer's ink-channel space. The maximization rule ensures that ink overprinting is optimized, reducing ink consumption while maintaining color accuracy. This approach is particularly useful in high-precision printing applications where ink efficiency and color consistency are critical. The printer may also include a calibration module to adjust print settings dynamically, ensuring optimal performance across different substrates and environmental conditions. The overall system aims to improve printing efficiency by intelligently managing ink deposition while preserving perceptual color fidelity.
16. A non-transitory storage medium comprising instructions that upon execution cause a system to: receive ink-channel data stored in a memory that describe print resources for an ink-channel printing pipeline; select a Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) property stored in the memory, the NPac property describing a dimensional relationship between NPac data of an alternative printing pipeline and the ink-channel data for the ink-channel printing pipeline; and generate a mapping file based on the NPac property to map from an ink-channel space described by the ink-channel data to an NPac space described by the NPac data to enable the print resources for the ink-channel printing pipeline to be utilized by the alternative printing pipeline.
The invention relates to digital printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of converting print resources between different printing pipelines. In printing, different pipelines may use distinct color representation models, such as ink-channel data (e.g., CMYK) or Neugebauer Primary area coverage (NPac) data. The problem arises when print resources, like color profiles or halftone screens, are designed for one pipeline but need to be used in another. The invention provides a solution by enabling the reuse of print resources across pipelines through a mapping process. The system receives ink-channel data stored in memory, which describe print resources for an ink-channel printing pipeline. It then selects an NPac property, also stored in memory, that defines the relationship between NPac data of an alternative pipeline and the ink-channel data. Using this property, the system generates a mapping file that converts the ink-channel space (described by the ink-channel data) to the NPac space (described by the NPac data). This mapping allows the print resources originally designed for the ink-channel pipeline to be utilized by the alternative pipeline, ensuring consistent print quality and reducing the need for redundant resource development. The solution leverages stored data and computational mapping to bridge the gap between different printing pipelines, improving efficiency and compatibility in digital printing workflows.
17. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the alternative printing pipeline is a Halftone Area Neugebauer Separation (HANS) printing pipeline.
The invention relates to digital printing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of improving color reproduction and print quality in halftone printing processes. Traditional halftone printing methods often struggle with color accuracy, particularly in reproducing smooth gradients and complex color transitions. The invention introduces a specialized printing pipeline called Halftone Area Neugebauer Separation (HANS) to enhance color fidelity and print consistency. The HANS printing pipeline processes digital image data to generate halftone patterns that more accurately represent the intended colors. It leverages Neugebauer separation techniques, which involve decomposing colors into fundamental ink combinations, to optimize ink usage and minimize color artifacts. By applying this method, the system can produce prints with smoother gradients, reduced banding, and improved color accuracy compared to conventional halftone printing approaches. The invention is implemented in a non-transitory storage medium, such as a computer-readable memory, containing instructions for executing the HANS pipeline. This pipeline is integrated into the printing workflow, where it processes input image data to generate optimized halftone patterns before sending them to the printer. The system dynamically adjusts ink deposition based on the HANS calculations, ensuring consistent color reproduction across different printing conditions. Overall, the invention provides a technical solution for enhancing halftone printing quality by combining advanced color separation techniques with halftone pattern optimization, resulting in higher-fidelity printed outputs.
18. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the instructions upon execution cause the system to: apply a minimization overprinting rule related to the NPac property to minimize ink overprinting via NPacs derived from the ink-channel space.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to digital printing systems, specifically addressing the problem of excessive ink overprinting, which can lead to print defects, increased ink consumption, and reduced print quality. The invention focuses on optimizing ink usage by applying a minimization overprinting rule based on the NPac (Neutral Primary Axis) property. NPacs are derived from the ink-channel space, representing color channels that minimize ink overprinting while maintaining color accuracy. The system uses a non-transitory storage medium containing instructions that, when executed, apply this rule to adjust ink deposition during printing. By leveraging NPacs, the system reduces unnecessary ink layering, particularly in neutral or near-neutral color regions where overprinting is most problematic. The approach ensures that ink is applied in a way that maintains color fidelity while minimizing waste and potential defects like bleeding or smudging. The solution is particularly useful in high-precision printing applications, such as commercial or industrial printing, where ink efficiency and print quality are critical. By dynamically applying the minimization rule during the printing process, the system achieves optimal ink distribution without compromising the final output's visual integrity. This method enhances sustainability by reducing ink usage and improves operational efficiency by minimizing rework due to print defects.
19. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the instructions upon execution cause the system to: apply a maximization rule related to the NPac property to maximize ink overprinting via NPacs derived from the ink-channel space.
This invention relates to digital printing systems, specifically optimizing ink overprinting to improve color accuracy and efficiency. The problem addressed is the challenge of achieving consistent and high-quality color reproduction in multi-channel printing systems, where ink overprinting can lead to unpredictable color outcomes due to interactions between different ink layers. The invention involves a non-transitory storage medium containing instructions that, when executed, enable a printing system to apply a maximization rule related to the NPac (Neutral Print Area Control) property. This rule optimizes ink overprinting by deriving NPacs from the ink-channel space, which represents the available ink combinations for each color channel. The system adjusts ink deposition to maximize overprinting while maintaining color consistency, reducing ink waste, and improving print quality. The NPac property ensures that neutral colors (e.g., grays and blacks) are accurately reproduced by balancing ink contributions from different channels, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK). The maximization rule dynamically adjusts ink amounts based on the NPac property to achieve the desired color output while minimizing deviations caused by ink interactions. This approach enhances print accuracy, reduces material costs, and improves the efficiency of digital printing processes.
20. The non-transitory storage medium of claim 16 , wherein the instructions upon execution cause the system to: apply a Demichel equation related to the NPac property to generate NPac vectors from the ink-channel space when inks in the ink-channel space are distributed randomly over a unit area.
This invention relates to digital printing systems, specifically methods for generating color vectors from ink-channel data to improve color reproduction. The problem addressed is the challenge of accurately representing colors in printing when inks are randomly distributed over a unit area, which can lead to inconsistencies in color output. The invention describes a non-transitory storage medium containing instructions that, when executed, cause a system to apply a Demichel equation related to the NPac property. This equation is used to generate NPac vectors from ink-channel space data. The NPac property refers to a color space transformation that accounts for the random distribution of inks over a unit area, ensuring more accurate color reproduction. The system processes ink-channel data, which represents the concentrations of different inks in a printing process, and converts this data into NPac vectors that better represent the perceived color under varying ink distributions. The method involves applying the Demichel equation to the ink-channel space, where inks are randomly distributed, to produce NPac vectors that maintain color consistency regardless of ink distribution variations. This approach enhances color accuracy in digital printing by compensating for the randomness in ink placement, leading to more predictable and uniform color outputs. The storage medium stores these instructions, enabling the system to perform the necessary calculations for accurate color vector generation.
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January 7, 2020
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